An intelligent pat on the back Published Aug. 20, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Mark Thompson 916th Public Affairs Office SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The normally guarded 916th Air Refueling Wing's intelligence shop has stepped out of the shadows with an innovative, yet simple recognition program that shines the spotlight on wing members who go the extra mile. What distinguishes the program from traditional wing recognition programs is that it is very timely, personal and non-competitive. While most programs require a nomination package, formation of a board, plaques or certificates ordered, and a presentation ceremony scheduled, the Intel shop takes a minimalist approach. The foundation of the program includes simple gestures such as a pat on the back, a thank you note, phone call or email. This, coupled with kudos from the 916th Operations Group Commander Col. Caroline Evernham to the deserving person's supervisor, reinforces the shop's appreciation of a job well done. "The original impetus was to recognize the day-to-day, above-and-beyond work that people are doing inside the intel shop," said Lt. Col. Todd Halstead, 916th ARW chief of intelligence. "This could be something as simple as someone giving a really good briefing or just doing something to help a team member." For a few months Halstead and his team practiced this kudos program internally, but they soon realized that there was plenty of recognition to go around. "Around Christmas, Maj. Shannon Mann in public affairs worked the John Parr concert and we thought she did a great job and should be recognized," said Halstead. At that point the program was expanded to include anyone at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base who they felt was doing a great job. "I think that this is just a small way of trying to celebrate those things that people are contributing each and every day that often go unrecognized," said Halstead.